American Samoa Gambling

American Samoan Gambling Information

There are no legal casinos or other forms of
organized gambling in American Samoa. In the past,
proposals for cruise ship gambling and land-based
casinos have been considered, but they have ultimately
been rejected.

Bingo is highly popular on the island, with profits
usually going to aid a church or school. While it is
considered a charity game, the local residents flock to
these events in great numbers.

At one time, the island allowed poker machines to be
installed at businesses throughout the island. No
framework was in place to monitor the machines, however,
and the payback percentages were very low. Winnings were
paid in cash, and many questioned if payouts were being
reported on tax forms. As of 2004, there were no poker
machines in American Samoa, and that appears to still be
the case.

Facts About American Samoa

Considered an unincorporated territory of the United
States, American Samoa is located in the South Pacific
Ocean (just southwest of the state of Samoa). Part of
the Samoan Islands Chain, the largest island in American
Samoa is Tutuila, while the capital is Pago Pago. The
overall area of American Samoa is slightly larger than
the District of Columbia.

American Samoa issued a protest in 1997 against
Samoa. This came after the state changed their name from
Western Samoa. The government of American Samoa felt
that this detracted from the Samoan identity of their
islands. Officially, they still refer to their neighbors
as Western Samoa.

People born in American Samoa are considered American
nationals, but not citizens of the United States. People
born on unorganized atolls do not receive this status.

According to a 2004 estimate, the population is
57,902, with the average life expectancy being 75.62
years. Samoan (Polynesian) makes up the largest ethnic
group at 89%. Caucasian and Tongan are also present.

Christian Congregationalist is the most popular
religious denomination, followed by Roman Catholicism,
Buddhism and Protestantism.

Samoan and English are the official languages of the
islands. Most residents are bilingual.

Government offices are usually open Monday thru
Friday from 8am until 4pm. Normal shopping hours are
Monday thru Friday from 8am until 5pm and Saturday from
9am until noon.

Sports are a popular pastime on the islands, with
many Samoans going on to play in the National Football
League. Others have participated in professional
wrestling. The islands have also formed a national
soccer team.